Agreeing to Give Gladly
Written for Bible Journey Plan. Our editorial standards.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7 KJV
Giving can become a source of tension when one spouse makes promises with money both people need to manage. Good intentions do not remove the need for honest agreement. Generosity should not depend on secrecy or pressure.
Paul describes giving that is purposeful and cheerful. He is writing about help for believers in need. He does not sell a method for getting rich, and he does not ask people to give so that someone can control them through guilt.
Talk together about the needs you can help meet. Plan for generosity alongside household responsibilities. Listen if a gift creates concern, and work toward an amount you can offer willingly. Both people should understand the decision and share in its joy. There is freedom in giving because the Lord has been good to you, without demanding public credit or a financial return. A thoughtful gift can bless another household while teaching your own to hold its resources with open hands.
Keep the passage in context
Paul is arranging a willing gift for believers in need. Giving is to be purposeful and cheerful, not coerced, and the passage does not promise personal wealth in exchange for money.
Read further: 2 Corinthians 9 in the King James Bible.